Spring Has Sprung...

My plants on there other hand need some work. This weekend here in New York, you could really for the first time feel the change it weather. Was it warm out? No. But-- it wasn't cold either. And the sun beamed, in a way like it was telling you, hold on a little longer, we are getting there kid. And when we do get there, I want to be ready with my window box. Here is it's current state. YIKES!

Ok, so I know that this is a scary image but in my defense, I haven't touched this thing since last year. And our Jade plant is thriving so it isn't as though I have a completely black thumb, I would more call it, pale green. I just need a little help and direction. I have done basil and rosemary in the past which did fine and I did use it when I could but I wouldn't mind stepping out of my comfort zone. I am not sure how many varieties I should try considering this box isn't the largest in the world. So readers, any of you have any ideas? When should I start planting? Or am I late?

Home Alone

Yesterday morning. Paulie packed up his luggage and headed to sunny California for the week. I love Paulie with all I got but there was a small part of me that was a little excited. First of all, it is just a week. Secondly, since we used to do long distance, we are pretty good at communicating throughout the day. And sometimes, it's fun to change up the routine a little. I can go to the gym at night, watching Kitchen Cousins to my hearts content, have Pasha love me most, and tackle some projects around the house that have been sitting on the back burner like the one below.

A Pretty Cool Life has great projects

 I am constantly looking for a pen or pencil in the kitchen and since we have pretty limited counter space, I am not totally down with taking up valuable real estate. Sure, we have drawers but that requires digging through them to find a pen that works. So when I saw this very easy DIY project on A Pretty Cool Life, I pinned it and kept it in my memory bank. All you need are some cute spice tins which I was able to get at a trade show, magnets, glue and you are set for this cute storage. I picked up the rest of my supplies this weekend and am good to go. Can't wait to show you guys the results. What do you think? Any projects you are working on? Any other Kitchen Cousin fans out there? Are you team Anthony or Jon?

tai dye.

My good friend Tai's birthday is at the end of May. In 2011, I made her a picnic blanket that I dyed navy. I then forgot to give it to her for over a year. So for her next birthday, I figured I should probably make some cloth napkins that matched the blanket that was still sitting on a table at my house. Thought you might like to see how I did it. 

Step #1 I picked up these white cotton napkins from Target. They are probably more kitchen towels than napkins but I loved their size, especially at a picnic when you don't know what the terrain is going to be like. Use what you like!

Step #2 Pick your water base color paint. Disclaimer, I saw this ideaanother blog and now I cannot remember where. Once I find it, I will put the link up. This other blog is how I knew what kind of paint to use. I went with a really pretty orange.

Step #3 Test the water. I used pretty hot water and squeezed the paint in. I later went back and put more in for a deep color on some of the napkins.

Step #4 Dip baby dip! For some I dipped the napkins in all the way, for others, I just did the edge. It's totally up to you and your ability to control how water soaks through cotton (i.e. no control)

Step #5 Let those mofo's dry. I actually ended up hanging them in the windows for 24 hours to make sure they were totally dry before I shipped them off to Tai.

Step #6 A-duh....use them!

Have you been doing any DIY'ing lately? Do you know what blog I saw this project on? Tai, are you there? Do you like them? What other DIY sites do you all like? Fill me in guys!

wrap it up

Fanned Dots Washi Found Here

Neon Stripes Washi Found Here

Guys, have you heard or seen this brand Washi Tape? They have been blowing up on blogs and Pinterest like nobodies beeswax.  The thing is that they are such a totally duh simple thing. Interesting looking, tons of fun prints and colors all on tape. I love how they make a simple wrapping job look extra special and fun. I have also seen people use them to make a design on the floor for their kids or even cute flags with them. With holidays coming up, you know I am going to get on this.

I can just imagine all the funny prints coming from his mouth. Frog Tape Dispenser from See Jane Work ...and possibly my desk at work.

I kinda want this race track made from Washi Tape for myself. Seen at Apartment Therapy